This is a shared post from a friend on her Facebook page. She is an ardent animal lover and defender. She has rescued many different ones: dogs, cats, horses and more. Those of us who rescue always have this argument with ourselves: Is it OK to buy a purebred puppy? I have been there. My opinion at least for myself is: I can do both…And I believe in those “meant to be” moments.

“Everyone, meet Toffee. Toffee, this is everyone.

Scott and I have been discussing Miracle, my black cat, at length. I truly do believe she will not make it to the end of the year. She is having lots of problems that are beyond her regular problems of being The Spawn of Satan. Socks also isn’t doing well physically, although her only problem is arthritis that she refuses to take medication for. Otherwise, she’s fine. We also have run across a lot of stray kittens that need homes lately. So we talked about adopting two kittens.

Instead, a good friend here on FB told me about this: a 14-week-old collie puppy who needs a home. She is one of two pups left from the litter that Lynne got her pup from. The cost is minimal and she will be delivered to me from Arkansas next week rather than having to fly her in. She is fully vaccinated, so all I have to do is get her spayed. And well, it was so easy to do this that I believe that this was Meant To Be.

So now for the inevitable: we all know I’m anti-breeding when there are so many dogs out there that need homes. Yes, I got a puppy. Yes, I got her from a breeder. Look, I know I’m being a hypocrite. But I have to say that many of your stories, particularly from three friends has got me thinking. And a BIG THANKS to you three and other friends of mine for this.

Triss and Treve came with baggage from being tossed around so much and not getting a stable start to life. Both have separation anxiety issues. Triss particularly does not like riding in cars, and she has developed a severe fear of traffic since her accident. Treve has always been afraid of cars. They have NEVER tried to get out of the yard since their “adventure”, and I have decided that I’m going to say that is a healthy fear and am going to keep it. So no more walkies for them–if I take them anywhere, it will be a dog park or to walk park trails.

The one dog that we had that didn’t have baggage was Bliss, a collie we took in who was a former show dog. She was a steady eddy who could handle anything. But she was the dog I could take anywhere any time I wanted. She was quiet and easy-going and got along with every person and animal she met. In short, she was my sidekick. We lost her too soon to cancer.

I have wanted a sidekick pet since I was a kid. That one animal that went with me everywhere. Well, after all of these rescues and one rescue not working out at all, I have learned that rescuing an animal is great and I won’t stop doing it. It also means that you have to deal with baggage with rescue animals, and sometimes that baggage can never be overcome without paying for a lot of training and taking a lot of time to do it.

While I could go to a trainer and work with Triss, honestly, it’s going to take a lot more work than I am willing to give time to with my jobs being so random. So I can now start with a fresh mind, so to speak. A dog with no baggage and that has started life in the same kind of environment that I have my dogs in. This lovely lady comes from a ranch-type home where the owners do not breed for show. These are pet dogs that are very healthy and have tons of exposure to other animals and children. I would like to try agility or even get her certified for service in going to children’s hospitals or nursing homes. I am too afraid of getting hurt with horses to work with them on showing or anything like that anymore, and Arcus is just a great trail horse and driving horse for light riding. That’s all I need now.

The other thing is I hated the idea of taking Triss to events but leaving Treve at home. I know he’d deal with it, but he was a dog who had separation anxiety when I got him, so why potentially spark that again? Now two dogs will be at home while I can take the new pup everywhere. I won’t worry about either Triss or Treve being alone.

Triss and Treve are my awesome ranch dogs and alert dogs. I will continue to rescue collies for that reason as the breed is perfect for me and Scott’s lifestyle overall.

Perhaps this is me justifying my own NEVERS and ALWAYSES. But I need to be honest with myself and with my friends who know me well when it comes to animals. I have had to make major changes since my broken wrist that has limited my abilities, both physical and mental. Horse activities just aren’t something I’m doing much of anymore by myself. A puppy will give me the fresh mind I need and the companion that can help me with my health as well so I will get out and DO stuff. Plus dogs are a lot easier to take places than horses are!

Soooooo, meet Toffee! So named because of her coat color. Her right eye is partially blue. Mom is a sable; daddy is a blue merle. She was born on St. Patrick’s Day of this year, so her registered name will have “Irish Toffee” in it somewhere…..”

Thanks Friend for sharing your heartfelt angst at the possibility of having the doggie of your dreams. I am glad you are doing it. And thanks for allowing me to share you story.

Read more non fiction dog stories here: Little Miss Muffitt: Guardian of My Heart Stories of my own dogs, some fostered, some adopted and yes, some bred and gotten as puppies.Also K9 stories about the brave four-legged cops, who were partners with two family members.